Eclipse is a proposed NASA Discovery mission for direct
imaging of planetary systems orbiting nearby stars. The
mission concept is based on an actively corrected
coronagraphic space telescope for high-contrast visible
wavelength imaging and spectrophotometry. Eclipse imagery
provides billion-to-one suppression of diffracted and
scattered starlight in the field of view between 0.25 and
1.5 arcseconds from a target star, a planet-finding
capability at least three orders of magnitude more
sensititve than any HST instrument.

These contrast performance predictions are derived from
computational models and verified by laboratory experience.
We review recent laboratory validation demonstrations in a
space-simulating coronagraphic imaging testbed. We summarize
developments in the new enabling technologies, including
apodized coronagraphic masks, precision deformable mirrors
and their control systems, and wavefront sensing and
correction algorithms.

A baseline three-year science mission promises fundamental
new insights into the nature and evolution of diverse
planetary systems associated with our Sun's nearest
neighbors. Eclipse mission objectives include a survey for
the presence of major planets, planet-sculpted debris disks
and other observable indicators of planetary systems. The
Eclipse mission offers pioneering science observations and
an opportunity to validate and mature the critical
technologies in support of coronagraphic concepts for the
future TPF-C.